All aboard the Vale of Rheidol Railway, where steam meets magic!
If you’re looking for a day out that blends history, adventure, and jaw-dropping scenery, the Vale of Rheidol Railway in Aberystwyth is your ticket to ride. This iconic narrow gauge steam railway has been charming visitors since 1902, and today it’s one of Wales’s most beloved heritage attractions.
Celebrate Christmas at the Vale of Rheidol Railway!
This December, the historic railway in Aberystwyth is transforming its museum into a festive wonderland with its brand-new event: A Ticket to Christmas. Running from 13th to 23rd December 2025, it’s a fully immersive indoor adventure!
Your Ticket to Christmas is more than just entry, it’s a passport to festive fun! Families will journey through four themed zones:
- The Passport Office: Become a trainee elf and get your official Christmas passport stamped.
- The Toymaker’s Workshop: Craft and create alongside Santa’s helpers.
- The Elf Mailroom: Write your wishes and send them straight to the North Pole.
- Mrs Claus’s Kitchen: Decorate cookies with a sprinkle of sugar and joy.
- And of course, the grand finale: Meeting Santa in his glittering grotto, where every child receives a special gift to take home
Journey through time and nature
- The railway runs for 11¾ miles (19 km) from the seaside town of Aberystwyth to the dramatic waterfalls at Devil’s Bridge
- Along the way, you’ll climb nearly 200 metres, winding through the lush Rheidol Valley, past forests, meadows, and mountain views that look like they’ve leapt straight out of a postcard
- The final stretch is especially thrilling: a steep climb where the train conquers almost two metres of elevation every 100 travelled
Whether you’re a railway enthusiast, a family looking for fun, or a traveller chasing views, this is one trip you’ll never forget.